by Kathy Masterson
CONSULTATION with employers, greater flexibility of course delivery methods and broader module options underpin the University of Limerick’s new teaching and learning strategy, ‘Engaged Learning’, that was launched this week.
The university says the strategy was developed according to the principle that “students should be actively and deeply involved in their own education”.
The ‘Engaged Learning: Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy’ will bring a number of changes to the university, such as wider programme entry structures and the broadening of module options for students, allowing cross-faculty elective modules.
It will also mean greater overseas learning opportunities and the development of flexible part-time, blended, distance and e-learning offerings tailored to industry needs.
Employers will also have greater involvement as undergraduate programmes will be aligned more closely with employer needs, and employers will be surveyed “on the work readiness of graduates and their ability to continue to learn”.
“The University of Limerick has been extraordinarily good, particularly at students getting jobs in the economy. They’re way ahead of other universities and higher education institutions in Ireland,” commented Minister for Education Jan O’Sullivan at the launch on Friday, September 19.
“This Engaged Learning proposal and plan will, I think, even add to that. It’s about excellence in teaching and learning and it’s also about employability. So I think it is building on a very strong base already in the University of Limerick.”
Professor Paul McCutcheon, vice president academic and registrar, who led the development of the strategy, said: “One of the key elements of this strategy is to maintain UL’s leading position as the top Irish university for graduate employment.
“Despite the challenging environment, UL’s 70 per cent graduate employment rate for 2013 primary degree-holders is now 18 per cent higher than the HEA’s (Higher Education Authority’s) most recently available national average figure, which is 52 per cent for 2012. This strategy reflects the ambitions we have for our students and it capitalises on our established reputation for excellence in teaching and learning.”
‘Engaged Learning’ is closely aligned with the National Strategy for Higher Education for 2030, and is based on the University of Limerick’s strategic priorities.Prof
